Sirikanya Vibhasiri creator Stevens, Willem Frans Chairperson Suwalee Chandrkrachang Examination Committee Preeda Pakpian Examination Committee Korbtham Sathirakul Examination Committee Royal Thai Govenment Scholarship Donor text series technical report th Bangkok Asian Institute of Technology 2002 continuing eng 82 leaves Chitosan matrix system in the form of membrane and semi-solid gel was in vestigated for appli cation in controlled drug deli very system. In this study, two chitosan samples differing in degree of deacetylation (69% and 89%DD) prepared from shrimp chitin were used. The chitosan membranes were prepared by a casting technique using acetic acid as a solvent. The membranes were characterized in the forms of swelling index and permeability behavior of the model drugs (lidocaine hydrochloride and progesterone). The lesser swelling index and more sustained permeation were found with the membrane prepared from 89% DD in compare to membrane prepared from 69% DD chitosan. Drug loaded membranes were prepared and studied for the release pattern. The membranes were th in, transparent and homogenous. The fast release pattern was observed in the initial first hour, whereas the drug release showed more sustained in the later hours depending on the types of chitosan membranes used. More sustained release was obtained with the membrane prepared from higher %DD. In addition, it was observed that release of drug could be controlled by using rate controlled chitosan membrane as permeation barrier screened on the drug loaded membrane. N-acetylchitosan gels were prepared by acetylation of chitosan with acetic anhydride. The semi-solid gels were transparent and elastic. The gel can be exploited as a drug reservoir and as controlled release drug carrier. The rate of drug release was constant within the first hour from lidocaine hydrochloride loaded gel, and up to six hours from progesterone loaded gel. Sustained release of drug was obtained with the use of Nacetylchitosan membrane as rate controlled device. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2002 Chitosan Controlled release Drugs Controlled release Asian Institute of Technology. http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B08087 http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B08087 030418 20260818085123.0